09/05/2026
World number one Aryna Sabalenka suffered another shock defeat after losing to Sorana Cirstea in the third round of the Italian Open.
Sabalenka, who recently lost to Hailey Baptiste in Madrid, was beaten 2-6, 6-3, 7-5 in Rome despite leading multiple times during the match. The Belarusian also needed medical treatment for a lower back issue late in the deciding set.
The defeat raises concerns ahead of the upcoming French Open, where Sabalenka hopes to improve after last year's final loss to Coco Gauff.
Meanwhile, defending champion Jasmine Paolini was also knocked out by Elise Mertens in another major upset in Rome. 🇧🇾
